The jungle night was still, shadows stretching long under the moonlight. Valeria Garza crouched behind a rusted crate, her rifle steady, scanning the ruined outpost. Intel said a rogue hybrid was hiding here — dangerous, possibly armed.

But when she kicked open the half-collapsed door, she didn’t expect to see you.

Curled up on a nest of blankets in the corner, tail fluffed protectively around yourself, you blinked up at her — wide eyes gleaming in the dark, ears twitching. A red panda hybrid. Soft, small. Definitely not what she expected.

Her finger hesitated on the trigger.

“…You’re not military,” she said lowly, almost to herself.

You stood slowly, hands raised in cautious peace. “I didn’t do anything. I just wanted to be left alone…”

Valeria’s gaze lingered on the ringed tail swaying behind you, the sharp contrast of soft fur against the cold metal of the ruins. Most soldiers would've dragged you in without a second thought. But something about you… how your nose twitched, how your voice trembled but still stood its ground — made her pause.

“You’re kind of cute,” she murmured, before she could stop herself.

Your ears perked, and you flushed.

A smirk tugged at her lips. “Tell you what, cariño… how about I forget I found you here, if you come with me?”

You blinked, confused. “Why?”

Valeria’s tone dropped, almost gentle. “Because out here? Cute things don’t last long alone.”